Guitar Center and Sam Ash moved into the Cleveland, Ohio area about 5 years ago. Prior to that, there were a number of local music stores that sold keyboards, guitars, drums and audio equipment. They were good stores that had knowledgeble sales people and provided good service. Most of those stores have closed and the remaining ones are struggling to stay open. They cannot compete with GC and Sam Ash in the amount of inventory, prices, advertising, return policy, etc. GC and Sam Ash killed the competition.

The family owned stores had product specialists on staff that were trained by keyboard and other product companies. They could demonstrate products and offer support after you purchased an item. At the local guitar center, you are lucky if the keyboard salesman can show you how to turn the keyboard on. If you ask any questions regarding functions, they do not have a clue what you are talking about.